Rabat: Life is Easy
Rabat, the capital and the second-largest city of Morocco, is one of the most laid back cities in the world. Rabat, along with its twin city Sale, is the most important commuter town for Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital and largest city. Steeped in history, Rabat is also home to some of the most magnificent structures in the country. Given the city’s laid back nature, the city’s impromptu motto ought to be “Life is Easy.” Rabat is also home to many embassies and offices of international organisations, and is a mini diplomatic hub in the region. Though the most famous of all Rabat tourist attractions is but of course its laid back nature, the city is home to quite a lot more than just that.
Places to Visit in Rabat
Some of Morocco’s best tourist attractions, both natural and man-made, both ancient and modern, are located in or around Rabat. Some of the more prominent Rabat tourist sights include the narrow streets of the Casbah des Oudaya, the 12th-century Tour Hassan and the accompanying Royal Mausoleum, Bouknadel with its Jardins Exotiques (exotic gardens), Chellah that houses many interesting museums and Roman ruins along with a 17th-century fortress, National Archaeological Museum, Old Medina, the many bazaars, etc.
Rabat- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Rabat is very safe for tourists; nevertheless, it is advisable that certain rather necessary precautions be taken including avoiding certain areas after dark, keeping valuables out of sight, etc. Off late, however, Rabat has witnessed multiple terrorist attacks on tourists. Rabat is beautiful and the city is full of hidden alleys and walkways that can rightfully be confused with time warps.
The city’s architecture and Rabat’s cityscape makes it is excellent for long walks. Rabat is laid back and is ideal if you really need a break that ought to rejuvenate you. The city is home to a multitude of restaurants, cafes, etc. English and French will get you by in most cases. The local currency is Moroccan dirham (MAD). The local cuisine is rich and has its own unique and distinct flavour. What’s more, it freely is available at very affordable prices. Rabat has a large number of eateries catering to all types of cuisines and suited to all types of budgets; it is also home to some of the country’s best and most prolific restaurants. Come what may, the changing of the Royal Guard at the Royal Palace on Friday mornings must not be missed.
Best time to visit Rabat
The best time to visit Rabat is from January to April and from June to August.
Best way to reach
- By Air: Rabat is one of the region’s most important travel hubs, and is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
- By Rail: Rabat is one of the major railway stations on the Moroccan rail network, and being a major commuter town, is a designated halt for many express and inter-city trains in the country.
- By Road: Rabat is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Rabat is also one of the centres of Morocco’s road transport system and as such offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby Morocco attractions. The road network within the city is rather excellent; nevertheless, the traffic is quite chaotic.
Accommodation
The Rabat accommodation scene is very active and wide enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Rabat is home of some of the finest hotels in the continent. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Rabat vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Rabat tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does. One might even miss out on the many hidden attractions and surprises Rabat may hold.